Imagining Tomorrow's Future Today

This article by Art St George and the Educause Evolving Technologies Committee reports on the seven evolving technologies that they consider are having the most direct impact on higher education. The report is based on the white papers written by individual members of the committee. These white papers can be found on the Evolving Technologies Committee web site.

1. The Web in 2007: It's not Just a Browser, It's a Platform. Not only do we have APIs (application programming interfaces) and mashups, we also have RIAs (rich internet applications) - tools that can be moved out of the browser and onto the desk top. RIAs could become the 'balance point that joins the advantages of Web and Internet access with the "user experience" of desktop applications.'
2. Integrating Google Apps for Higher Education. These Apps range from Gmail to Google Groups and GoogleSketchUP6 and they can be used to enhance collaborative learning. They're part of the whole Web 2.0 environment - users can publish, discuss and become part of the content.
3. The Evolution of Web Conferencing. This technology 'provides a way for individuals and groups to bridge distances and to communicate in exciting new ways."
4. M-Learning. In this context it means portable and personal technology and its use in higher education can produce much greater flexibility and enhanced communication.
5. 3D Printing: Turning Virtual Models into Hard Copy. This can add a tactile experience to design work.
6. Virtualization: Applications, Systems, and Beyond. Allows for greater customisation in the delivery of applications.
7. Information Lifecycle Management and Physical Storage Technologies for Digital Preservation. As increasing amounts of material is digitised, or born digital, ways of preserving it for the long term become increasingly necessary.